September · New Zealand
Best time to visit Nelson in September Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Nelson in September
Average temperature 8°C, 89 mm of rain, about 11 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 87% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
September score
6.1/10
Ranked #8 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 8°C
- Rainfall
- 89 mm
- Humidity
- 87%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 11
- Crowd Density
- Moderate Crowds
- Average Expenses
- $$ · Moderate Cost ($$)
September in Nelson scores 6.1/10 for nature and wildlife travel - ranked #8 of 12. Expect around 8°C, 89 mm of rain, and roughly 11 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Nelson sits at the top of the South Island, with a long beach, gardens and Abel Tasman National Park nearby.
September in Nelson — middling scores, decent value
Expect 8°C (46°F) in September. A good month for city streets, viewpoints and long meals; leave swimming for another season.
Budget for roughly 89 mm of rain this month — a flexible day or two helps — with about 11 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 11.7 hours of daylight to work around it.
That is 6.1/10 on the same scale — 8th of 12 months, versus 9.3/10 for the best month here.
Pack a mid-weight jacket, long sleeves and shoes you can walk 15 km in, a packable rain layer, footwear you can get muddy.
Budget for mid-season pricing, and crowds are moderate.
If your dates are flexible, January is materially better in Nelson — 3.2 points higher on the same scale.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Nelson in September?
- In September, Nelson averages 8°C, 89 mm of rain, and about 11 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 6.1/10.
- Is September a good time to visit Nelson?
- September earns a 6.1/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Nelson in September?
- Expect about 89 mm of rain in September. Average humidity is 87% and there are about 11 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
Curated in Nelson
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Things to do in Nelson
Nelson, New Zealand. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.